2025 Employment Law Seminar: Title VII, Arbitration & Post-Chevron Changes
On January 15, 2025, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, in partnership with JAMS, hosted the 2025 Annual Employment Law Seminar, providing legal professionals with critical insights into the evolving landscape of employment law. This hybrid event featured esteemed panelists from the judiciary, government agencies, corporate counsel, and private practice, offering diverse perspectives on pressing legal issues.
The seminar covered four expert-led discussions on Title VII’s evolving impact, arbitration trends, the post-Chevron regulatory landscape, and judicial perspectives on employment litigation. Attendees gained valuable updates on key legal topics, including Supreme Court rulings, arbitration best practices, and changes to Seventh Circuit jury instructions, while also earning up to four hours of Illinois CLE credit. The day concluded with a networking cocktail reception, allowing for further engagement and discussion among peers.
Title VII’s 60 Years of Shaping Workplace Rights
The 2025 Employment Law Seminar opened with an in-depth discussion on the legacy and future of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, marking its 60th anniversary. Moderator J. Bryan Wood led an engaging conversation with panelists Tracy M. Billows, Justin Mulaire, and Yolanda Carillo, who explored Title VII’s evolving interpretations, major legal challenges, and its ongoing impact on workplace compliance.
The discussion covered three landmark Supreme Court cases that have shaped Title VII enforcement since 2020: Bostock v. Clayton County, which affirmed protections for LGBTQ+ employees under Title VII; Groff v. DeJoy, which refined religious accommodation standards; and Muldrow v. City of St. Louis, which clarified that job transfers can constitute adverse employment actions. The panelists examined the implications of these rulings, particularly how they impact employer policies and workplace disputes.
Key insights included the expanded definition of sex discrimination, the ongoing relevance of the 'but-for' causation standard, and the potential shifts in enforcement strategies by the EEOC. The conversation also touched on the anticipated Supreme Court case Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services, which could redefine how courts handle reverse discrimination claims under Title VII. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of how these legal precedents continue to shape workplace rights and responsibilities, making this session a valuable resource for employment law practitioners.
Employment Arbitration Shines Light on Ensuring Procedural Equity
Moderated by Anna Wermuth, the second session from the 2025 Employment Law Seminar tackled recent developments in employment arbitration, emphasizing how to craft agreements that balance employer and employee needs while ensuring procedural fairness. Speakers Amit Bindra, Suzanne Bish, Hon. Arlander Keys (Ret.), and Hon. Sidney Schenkier (Ret.) provided diverse perspectives on arbitration’s effectiveness, challenges, and evolving role in employment disputes.
The discussion explored key arbitration trends, including the increasing use of mass arbitration tactics, the enforceability of arbitration clauses, and the practical implications of recent Supreme Court decisions such as Smith v. Spizzirri and Bissonnette v. LePage Bakeries. Panelists debated whether arbitration remains a cost-effective and expedited alternative to litigation, with some arguing that it has become just as complex and time-consuming as traditional court proceedings.
Panelists also discussed fairness concerns, particularly for employees bound by mandatory arbitration agreements. Issues such as limited discovery, high arbitration costs, and procedural constraints were highlighted as potential barriers to justice. Some speakers advocated for legislative reforms, while others emphasized the importance of carefully drafting arbitration agreements to ensure they withstand legal scrutiny.
This session provided attendees with a deeper understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of arbitration in employment law and practical strategies for navigating arbitration agreements in an evolving legal landscape.
The Chevron Doctrine’s Demise Recalibrates Administrative Law
For the third session of the 2025 Employment Law Seminar, M. Nieves Bolaños moderated an insightful discussion on the potential rollback of the Chevron Doctrine and its implications for employment law. Panelists Angie Cowan Hamada, Allison Powers, and James Speta examined how reduced judicial deference to agency interpretations could reshape labor law enforcement and workplace regulations. The discussion highlighted key cases emerging post-Loper Bright, including challenges to Department of Labor wage rules, the impact on OSHA regulations, and the continued deference to the National Labor Relations Board despite shifting judicial attitudes.
Panelists analyzed how courts may navigate agency authority moving forward, particularly when statutes contain ambiguous language. The conversation explored whether explicit congressional delegations would preserve agency decision-making power and how lower courts might adapt to the Supreme Court’s recalibrated approach to administrative law. Specific concerns included how regulatory shifts might affect wage and hour enforcement, workplace safety, and the EEOC’s rulemaking authority under Title VII and the ADA.
Ultimately, the session underscored that employment attorneys must closely monitor litigation trends in administrative law, as these evolving standards could impact compliance obligations, agency enforcement, and judicial interpretations of workplace regulations for years to come.
Judges Share Bench Perspectives on Employment Litigation
The final session of the 2025 Employment Law Seminar featured a distinguished judicial panel moderated by Diane I. Smason, Hon. Manish S. Shah, and Hon. Jeremy C. Daniel sharing their perspectives on employment law litigation. Judges provided invaluable insights into proposed updates to Seventh Circuit jury instructions, including changes to causation standards and the impact of Muldrow v. City of St. Louis on defining adverse employment actions. They also discussed practical considerations for employment attorneys, such as the importance of considering jury instructions early in litigation and the challenges of discovery disputes.
Additionally, the judges addressed trends in employment litigation, highlighting issues such as summary judgment motion strategies, the evolving role of expert testimony, and how judicial perspectives on employment claims continue to shift. They noted the increasing complexity of employment law cases, emphasizing that effective legal advocacy requires precision in legal writing and an early focus on case strategy.
Judges also shared insights on common litigation pitfalls, particularly the overuse of motions that fail to meet procedural requirements or lack substantive merit. They encouraged attorneys to refine their discovery strategies, focus on material disputes in summary judgment motions, and consider how jury instructions shape trial outcomes. This interactive discussion offered practitioners a rare opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of judicial decision-making in employment-related cases and best practices for navigating complex litigation.
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Employment Law Seminar
The 2025 Employment Law Seminar provided a comprehensive overview of key legal developments, from Title VII’s evolving framework to arbitration trends and the shifting regulatory landscape post-Loper Bright. Expert panelists and judges delivered crucial insights that will help practitioners navigate employment litigation and compliance challenges in the year ahead.
The day concluded with a networking reception, allowing attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and expand their professional connections. For those looking to stay informed on emerging legal trends and further their professional development, the FBA Chicago Chapter offers ongoing programs and events. For the latest upcoming opportunities, please check out our event calendar.
